Telescopic Post and Bracing System for Bedrock Locations

ABSTRACT

A post assembly for fencing comprises a telescopic post ( 11, 12 ) on a ground anchor plate ( 10 ) and a telescopic bracing stay.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the installation of posts in general, being for fences, stockyards or any other construction where a post may be anchored directly to bedrock.

BACKGROUND ART

Fence and stockyard posts are well known in their general form. One such application is that the post is placed in a hole and backfilled with concrete or soil.

When bedrock is found under the location of a post, the rock is either blasted with explosives or jackhammered out to allow the location of the post. The post is then placed in the hole and the hole is filled with concrete poured around the base of the post to fix the post in place.

Similarly, posts may be bolted to a concrete retaining wall or concrete pods that are poured in the post's location.

Prior art fence post assemblies include one arrangement described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,690 which discloses a portable fence post support system having a box-shaped base member with a support face configured for engaging the surface of the ground for supporting the base member on the ground in a support position, and an anchoring device configured for insertion through the box member into the ground. The base member includes an opening for removably receiving a post and for supporting the post in an upright orientation when the base member is in the support position. The base member further includes an attachment means for coupling the base member with the anchoring device for preventing the support face from disengaging the surface of the ground when the device is inserted into the ground. The attachment means is spaced from the support structure.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,690 also includes description of traditional fence posts and states that they “provide no intrinsic lateral support, yet must support wires that are significantly tensioned. Accordingly, either the post must be driven deeply into the ground or relatively deep holes for receiving the post therein must be dug, both of which are relatively laborious. Yet posts placed directly into the earth are difficult to remove. Consequently, fence post systems have been devised with posts that are not driven or placed into the ground, but supported above the surface of the ground by anchoring structure. Such a system commonly includes an anchoring device, such as an auger, having a coupling portion for supporting the post coaxially therewith. However, anchoring devices still often require the excavation of a hole for receiving the device. Additionally, the design of traditional fence post systems limit installation to either rocky or fine soils. Finally, in order to withstand the lateral forces attributable to the tension of the wires supported by the post, angled braces have been connected between the post and the ground. A separate anchoring device is often necessary for securing the brace to the ground, which of course further complicates installation and removal.”

Bracing systems for fence posts and the like are also known. One such system is described in Australian Patent Application No. 198287082. This system includes a strut member formed of two axially aligned members and which is pivotably connected at one end to a an upper portion of a post and which is supported by the ground at the other end, a length adjustment means for the axially aligned members, and a jacking device for extending and retracting the aligned members relative to each other.

Whilst each of the above described systems and devices are useful in their own manner, none address

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a post or column used to anchor any structure to rock, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

In one broad form, the invention resides in a post assembly for commercial or domestic fencing, the post assembly including a ground anchor plate, a first post portion attached relative to the ground anchor plate and extending upwardly therefrom, a second post portion engageable with the first post portion in an axially aligned manner.

In a second form the post assembly may include at least one bracing stay assembly with a first end attachable to the second post member and a second end which is securable relative to a ground surface, the at least one bracing stay assembly including at least one length adjustable bracing member.

The post assembly of the invention is particularly adapted to use in attaching a post assembly relative to a ground surface with underlying bedrock or similar monolithic slab. The post may be used as a corner post or a post in the middle of the fence line. Preferably the bracing stay may be used when the post is used as a corner post.

The post assembly of the invention includes a ground anchor plate typically used to fix the post assembly relative to a ground surface and normally relative to underlying bedrock or similar monolithic slab. The ground anchor plate may be of any shape suitable for use and generally the shape of the plate will depend to a large degree on the application to which the post assembly is to be put.

The ground anchor plate will typically be associated with fastening means in order to fasten the plate relative to the ground surface or the bedrock. As the fastening means is generally intended to fasten to bedrock, the fastening means may be or include anchors, bolts, threaded fastening means or expandable fastening means for example.

The plate will typically include at least one and typically a plurality of openings therethrough to receive and engage elongate fastening means.

The anchor plate may preferably be manufactured from a strong but relatively lightweight material with a high level of strength such as metal or a synthetic material such as plastic.

According to the present invention, there are two main configurations, one to be used in level ground, underlying bedrock or similar monolithic slab situations (level ground), and the other to be used for sloped or uneven ground, underlying bedrock or similar monolithic slab situations (uneven ground).

For level ground applications; the first post may be attached directly to the ground anchor plate. The first post portion may typically include an open portion to receive (or be received within) the second post portion. Appropriate attachment means will be used to attach the first post portion to the ground anchor plate, of which welding will be the most preferred method.

The ground anchor plate will typically be provided with a first post attachment portion in order to attach the first post portion. For example, an open portion may be provided to receive the first post portion, said open portion being a depression or slot recessed into or extending through the plate (which would require a hole to be formed in the underlying ground or rock, but which would greatly add to stability).

Alternatively, the open portion may stand proud of the ground anchor plate and the first post portion may receive (or be receive partially within) the open portion. The open portion may be of any cross-sectional shape.

For uneven ground applications, it may be more difficult to accurately predict the correct angle for directly attaching the first post portion to the ground anchor plate. Although the direct attachment of the first post portion to the ground anchor plate may be used in uneven ground applications, more preferably the first post attachment portion may be used.

According to this configuration, the ground anchor plate may have a single or a number of open portions attached to the plate to allow correction and adjustment of the angle of the formed post. Each open portion will preferably be a hollow tubular member of any suitable cross-sectional shape.

At least one open portion will typically receive a lower portion of the first post portion. The first post attachment portion may further include a hinge portion to adjust the angle of the first post portion. The hinge portion will typically be locked in position and orientation once the correct angle has been achieved. This locking may be achieved by welding the hinge portion in place or using a locking pin or any other arrangement achieving the same purpose.

The post assembly of the present invention also includes a first post portion attached relative to the ground anchor plate and extending upwardly therefrom. Whilst the first post portion may be of any preferred cross-section shape and it is anticipated that specific cross-sectional shape may provide advantages in particular situations, the first post portion will typically be a generally cylindrical portion. The first post portion will also typically be an elongate, hollow member, but it may be solid for some applications.

Optional cross-sectional shapes for the first post portion will include rectangular, box-shaped, I-section shaped, star picket shaped or any other desired cross-sectional shape.

The first post portion may have an attachment portion fixed to a lower end thereof to mate with the open portion associated with the ground anchor portion where provided. The first post portion will preferably extend upwardly substantially perpendicular to a flat ground surface but may be at an angle to the ground surface where required, such as where the ground surface is sloped for example.

The post assembly also includes a second post portion engageable with the first post portion in an axially aligned manner. The second post portion will typically be received within (or will receive) at least a portion of the first post portion.

The second post portion will also preferably be elongate and hollow and may again be of any desired cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape may be the same as or different to the cross-sectional shape of the first post portion.

The second post portion will typically be of a standard length so that a standard height of post can be maintained above the ground level. The second post portion, where hollow, will generally be provided with an end cap or with a closed end at the upper end.

The second post portion is engageable with the first post portion in an axially aligned manner and this will generally form a length adjustable post. The length of the formed post can be adjusted by selective adjustment of the combined effective length of the first and second post portions.

Such length adjustment will typically occur by sliding movement of one portion relative to the other portion and then fixing the length at least temporarily with locking means. The locking means may be any suitable means but particularly preferred is a pin and slot means. In this form, the pin may be a bolt or similar and both first and second post portions will preferably be provided with a plurality of openings therethrough. In adjustment of the length (height) of the post, the openings in the respective portions may be aligned and the pin or bolt passed through the aligned openings. Typically, the openings will be spaced over the length of a lower portion, of the second post portion and an upper portion of the first post portion. More than one pin or bolt may be used.

Cover means or grommets may be placed to cover any unused openings in the first or second post portion to decrease and preferably prevent, the ingress of foreign matter such as dust or dirt which may damage the post.

Other mechanisms allowing length adjustment of the formed post may be used such as a telescoping arrangement with the telescoping portions lockable relative to one another.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the first post portion will be an inner post and the second post portion will be an outer post.

The post assembly also includes at least one bracing stay assembly with a first end attachable to the second post member and a second end which is securable relative to a ground surface, the at least one bracing stay assembly including at least one length adjustable bracing member.

The at least one bracing stay will preferably have a first end which is attachable to the second post portion via any suitable means. Examples of methods of attachment include attachment members or plates fixed directly to the second post portion or an open collar with flanges extending therefrom for receiving fasteners to clamp the collar to the second post portion and the collar fitted with one or more attachment members to affix the at least one bracing stay.

The attachment members will typically be angled relative to the second post portion and the angle may be fixed or adjustable using one or more hinge mechanisms. The at least one bracing stay assembly may also be capable of angular adjustment.

A second end of the bracing stay will generally be attachable relative the ground in a manner similar to the ground anchor plate securing the first post portion relative to the ground. The bracing member will also typically be length adjustable in a manner similar to the formed post.

The length adjustment of the at least one bracing stay may therefore include at least two members which interact in a manner similar to the first post portion and the second post portion in order to be length adjustable. More than one bracing stay assembly may be provided if bracing in more than one direction is required.

The outer post will preferably slide over the inner post, creating a telescopic post. The inner post may have several holes drilled through it, so that it may be lowered down to the rock level i.e. allowing the outer post to maintain the required height of the structure or fence. The outer pipe may have holes preferably at the bottom of the post to accommodate bolts to fix the post at its required height.

For the hinged post, a bracing ring may be slipped over the top of the post and bolted preferably ⅓ down from the top of the post. The bracing ring may be of circular appearance with each end of the ring provided with a flange bent at approximately 90° outwards. The bent flanges may have holes drilled in them to accommodate bolts, so that the bracing ring may be fastened to the post. Several pieces of preferable flat steel may be welded to the bracing ring, with one or more holes in them. This bracing ring will allow the bracing stay to be bolted to the post.

The level type post may have several bracing plates welded directly to the post to accommodate the bracing stay.

The bracing stay is preferably designed with the same telescopic features as the post, to allow it to extend to the rock surface if the rock is below ground level. The bracing stay may have a preferably flat piece of steel at the top of it, with a hole drilled in it to accommodate one or more bolts for anchoring purposes. The anchoring plate is welded to a preferably round piece of steel that is welded to the outer pole of the bracing stay. A universal joint may be fitted in between the anchor plate and the bracing stay, to assure that the stay will be fixed at the required angle of the rockface.

At the bottom of the bracing stay there may be a preferably flat piece of metal that will be bolted for anchoring purposes. A preferably round piece of metal may be welded to the lower mounting plate. The round piece of metal may be of either solid or hollow appearance. This piece of metal may form the inner pipe of the hinge.

Two or more pieces of preferably round hollow metal are slid over the end of the centre hinge pin, to form the complete hinge assembly. The outer pieces of metal of the hinge may be welded to a preferably flat piece of metal which may be welded to a preferably round and flat piece of metal that is welded to the bottom of the inner piece of pipe of the bracing stay. The bracing stay is locked and bolted to maintain its required length in the same method as the telescopic post.

A bracing stay that is used when the rock is in a level formation may have a preferably flat piece of steel with a number of holes drilled into it. This lower mounting plate may be welded directly to a preferably flat piece of steel that may be welded to the bottom of the inner pipe of the telescopic bracing stay.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a post and bracing system according to an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a post and bracing system as illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of a post and bracing system according to a second aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a post and bracing system as illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of a post and bracing system according to a third aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

According to a preferred aspect of the invention, a post assembly for commercial and/or domestic fencing is provided.

The post assembly as illustrated in three distinct embodiments in the figures, includes a ground anchor plate 10, a first post portion 11 attached relative to the ground anchor plate 10 and extending upwardly therefrom, a second post portion 12 engageable with the first post portion 11 in an axially aligned manner, and at least one bracing stay assembly (not shown) with a first end attachable to the second post portion 12 and a second end which is securable relative to a ground surface, the at least one bracing stay assembly including at least one length adjustable bracing member.

The post assembly of the invention is particularly adapted to use in attaching a post assembly relative to a ground surface with underlying bedrock or similar monolithic slab.

The ground anchor plate 10 may be of any shape suitable for use and generally the shape of the plate will depend to a large degree on the application to which the post assembly is to be put. In the illustrated embodiments, the ground anchor plate 10 is substantially rectangular.

The ground anchor plate 10 is associated with fastening means (not shown) in order to fasten the plate 10 relative to the ground surface or the bedrock. As the fastening means is generally intended to fasten to bedrock, the fastening means includes anchors, bolts, threaded fastening means or expandable fastening means for example, and a plurality of openings are provide in the plate in order to receive the fasteners.

The anchor plate 10 of the preferred embodiment is manufactured from a strong but relatively lightweight material with a high level of strength such as metal or a synthetic material such as plastic.

According to the present invention, there are two main configurations, one to be used in level ground, underlying bedrock or similar monolithic slab situations (level ground) as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, and the other configuration to be used for sloped or uneven ground, underlying bedrock or similar monolithic slab situations (uneven ground) embodiments of which are illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and 5.

For level ground applications, the first post portion 11 is attached directly to the ground anchor plate 10. The attachment means used to attach the first post portion 11 to the ground anchor plate 10 in this embodiment is welding as the most preferred method.

For uneven ground applications, it may be more difficult to accurately predict the correct angle for directly attaching the first post portion to the ground anchor plate. Although the direct attachment of the first post portion to the ground anchor plate may be used in uneven ground applications, more preferably, a first post attachment portion may be used as illustrated in two alternative embodiments in FIGS. 1 and 2 and 5.

According to the first uneven ground configuration in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ground anchor plate has a hinge assembly 13 attached to the plate 10 to allow correction and adjustment of the angle of the formed post. The hinge assembly 13 can be locked in position and orientation once the correct angle has been achieved. This locking may be achieved by welding the hinge portion in place or using a locking pin or any other arrangement achieving the same purpose.

The first uneven ground configuration includes a round first member 14 attached directly to the ground anchor plate 10 and with a corresponding second member 15 which is coaxially and rotatably mounted about the first member 14. The first post portion 11 is attached to the second member 15 allowing the rotation of the first post portion 11 relative to the ground anchor plate 10 to correct the angle.

According to the second uneven ground configuration in FIG. 5, the ground anchor plate has a hinge assembly 13 which is separated from the plate 10 to allow correction and adjustment of the angle of the formed post. A plate-like first member 16 is attached directly to the ground anchor plate 10. The first post portion 11 is attached to a second member 17 with a hinge 18 between the first and second member allowing the rotation of the first post portion 11 relative to the ground anchor plate 10 to correct the angle of the formed post.

The first post portion 11 can be of any preferred cross-section shape and it is anticipated that specific cross-sectional shape may provide advantages in particular situations, however the first post portion 11 illustrated in all embodiments is a generally cylindrical portion. The first post portion 11 is also an elongate, hollow member.

The first post portion 11 extends upwardly substantially perpendicular to a flat ground surface but may be at an angle to the ground surface where required, such as where the ground surface is sloped for example.

The second post portion 12 will receive at least a portion of the first post portion 11. The second post portion 12 of all illustrated embodiments is elongate and hollow and may be of any desired cross-sectional shape, the same as or different to the cross-sectional shape of the first post portion 11.

The second post portion 12 is of a standard length so that a standard height of post can be maintained above the ground level. The second post portion can be provided with an end cap or with a closed end at the upper end.

The second post portion 12 is engageable with the first post portion 11 in an axially aligned manner to form a length adjustable formed post. The length of the formed post can be adjusted by selective adjustment of the combined effective length of the first 11 and second post portions 12.

According to the preferred embodiments, such length adjustment occurs by sliding movement of one portion relative to the other portion and then fixing the length at least temporarily, with locking means.

In the preferred form, the locking means is a pin bolt 20 and both first 11 and second post portions 12 are provided with a plurality of openings 19 therethrough. In adjustment of the length (height) of the formed post, the openings 19 in the respective portions are aligned and the pin bolt 20 passed through the aligned openings 19. The openings are spaced over the length of a lower portion of the second post portion 12 and an upper portion of the first post portion 11. More than one pin bolt may be used although one a single pin bolt is illustrated.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the first post portion will be an inner post and the second post portion will be an outer post.

The post assembly also includes at least one bracing stay assembly with a first end attachable to the second post member and a second end which is securable relative to a ground surface, the at least one bracing stay assembly including at least one length adjustable bracing member.

The at least one bracing stay will preferably have a first end which is attachable to the second post portion via any suitable means. Examples of methods of attachment include attachment members or plates 21 fixed directly to the second post portion 12 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 or an open collar 22 with flanges 23 extending therefrom for receiving fasteners to clamp the collar 22 to the second post portion 12 and the collar 22 fitted with one or more attachment members 24 to affix the at least one bracing stay, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The attachment members 21, 24 are angled relative to the second post portion 12 and the angle may be fixed or adjustable using one or more hinge mechanisms. The at least one bracing stay assembly may also be capable of angular adjustment.

A second end of the bracing stay will generally be attachable relative the ground in a manner similar to the ground anchor plate securing the first post portion relative to the ground. The bracing member will also typically be length adjustable in a manner similar to the formed post.

The length adjustment of the at least one bracing stay may therefore include at least two members which interact in a manner similar to the first post portion and the second post portion in order to be length adjustable. More than one bracing stay assembly may be provided if bracing in more than one direction is required.

In the present specification and claims (if any), the word “comprising” and its derivatives including “comprises” and “comprise” include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art. 

1. A post assembly for commercial or domestic fencing, the post assembly including a ground anchor plate, a first post portion attached relative to the ground anchor plate and extending upwardly therefrom, and a second post portion engageable with the first post portion in an axially aligned manner wherein the first post portion is at least partially received within the second post portion.
 2. A post assembly according to claim 1 including at least one bracing stay assembly with a first end attachable to the second post portion and a second end which is securable relative to a ground surface, the at least one bracing stay assembly including at least one length adjustable bracing member.
 3. A post assembly according to claim 1 wherein the ground anchor plate has associated fasting means in order to fasten the plate relative to the ground surface or the bedrock.
 4. A post assembly according to claim 1 wherein the first post portion is attached directly to the ground anchor plate.
 5. A post assembly according to claim 1 wherein the ground anchor plate has an associated first post attachment portion which allow adjustment of the angle of the first post portion relative to the ground anchor plate.
 6. A post assembly according to claim 5 wherein the first post attachment portion includes a hinge assembly to adjust the angle of the first post portion.
 7. A post assembly according to claim 1 wherein the second post portion is at least partially hollow and receives at least a portion of the first post portion.
 8. A post assembly according to claim 1 wherein the second post portion is of a standard length so that a standard height of post can be maintained above ground level.
 9. A post assembly according to claim 1 wherein the second post portion is engageable with the first post portion in an axially aligned manner to form a length adjustable post, the length of the post adjustable by selective adjustment of the combined effective length of the first and second post portions.
 10. A post assembly according to claim 9 wherein length adjustment occurs by sliding movement of one portion relative to the other portion and then fixing the length at least temporarily with locking means.
 11. A post assembly according to claim 10 wherein both first and second post portions provided with a plurality of openings therethrough, and the locking means is at least one pin, the at least one pin passing through the aligned openings.
 12. A post assembly according to claim 10 wherein the at least one bracing stay has a first end which is attachable to the second post portion via one or more attachment members to affix the at least one bracing stay.
 13. A post assembly according to claim 12 wherein the attachment members are angled relative to the second post portion.
 14. A post assembly according to claim 12 wherein a second end of the bracing stay is attachable relative the ground.
 15. A post assembly according to claim 1 wherein the at least one bracing stay includes at least two members moveable in an axially aligned manner to form a length adjustable bracing stay, the length of the bracing stay adjustable by selective adjustment of the combined effective length of the at least two members. 